U.S. patent application number 12/348943 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for display input device.
Invention is credited to Shuhji Fujii, Kaoru Ishikura, Atsushi Ogo, Yuji Okamoto, Kenji Takahashi, Nobuyuki UEDA, Nobuyasu Yamada.
Application Number | 20090189870 12/348943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40898738 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090189870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UEDA; Nobuyuki ; et
al. |
July 30, 2009 |
DISPLAY INPUT DEVICE
Abstract
To provide a display input device including: a display
controller for displaying a control frame on a display portion; a
touch input detector for detecting a touch input to the touch panel
portion; and a setup item displaying portion for superimposing
setup items on the control frame in accordance with the position of
the touch input while the touch input is being detected by the
touch input detector.
Inventors: |
UEDA; Nobuyuki; (Nara-shi,
JP) ; Okamoto; Yuji; (Soraku-gun, JP) ; Fujii;
Shuhji; (Kizugawa-shi, JP) ; Ishikura; Kaoru;
(Kyoto-shi, JP) ; Ogo; Atsushi; (Kizugawa-shi,
JP) ; Takahashi; Kenji; (Yamatokoriyama-shi, JP)
; Yamada; Nobuyasu; (Yamatokoriyama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40898738 |
Appl. No.: |
12/348943 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00474 20130101;
H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N 1/00472 20130101; H04N 1/00413
20130101; H04N 1/00427 20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N
1/00411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-015010 |
Claims
1. A display input device comprising: a display portion; a touch
panel portion; a display controller for displaying a control frame
on the display portion; a touch input detector for detecting a
touch input to the touch panel portion; and a setup item displaying
portion for displaying setup items in a superimposed manner on the
control frame in accordance with the position of the touch input
while the touch input is being detected by the touch input
detector.
2. The display input device according to claim 1, further
comprising a setup item selector for selecting, when, with the
setup items being displayed by the setup item displaying portion,
another touch input is detected at the position where one of the
setup items is displayed, the setup item in the detected
position.
3. The display input device according to claim 1, further
comprising a setup item canceller for eliminating the setup items
being displayed by the setup item displaying portion when the touch
input detector detects cancellation of the touch input.
4. The display input device according to claim 2, further
comprising a setup item canceller for eliminating the setup items
being displayed by the setup item displaying portion when the touch
input detector detects cancellation of the touch input.
5. A program for causing a computer including a display portion and
a touch panel portion to realize p1 a display function of
displaying a control frame on the display portion; a touch input
detecting function of detecting a touch input to the touch panel
portion; and a setup item displaying function of displaying setup
items in a superimposed manner on the control frame in accordance
with the position of the touch input while the touch input is being
detected by the touch input detecting function.
Description
[0001] This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) on Patent Application No. 2008-15010 filed in
Japan on 25 Jan. 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display input device and
the like including a display portion and a touch panel portion.
[0004] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Conventionally, in order to designate various operational
settings, there have been known display input devices through which
setting items and operating modes of an apparatus are determined
using a menu form.
[0006] As an example, patent document 1 (Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open 2002-176578) discloses a method of displaying
list representations of taken pictures, music information etc. on a
LCD monitor in a camera that can be selectively used in audio and
camera modes.
[0007] Also, as a display input device, a device using a display
portion and a touch panel portion has been known. In such a device,
setup items are displayed in a menu form on the display portion so
as to allow the user to touch the relevant portion to select the
item in the menu.
[0008] For example, FIG. 1 shows a control frame when a
conventional display input device is applied to a digital
multifunctional machine. Here, when the user touches a region R900,
the touch panel portion which is integrally formed with the display
portion that displays the control frame, detects the condition of
being touched. As a result, a setup frame corresponding to region
R900 is displayed. That is, when region R900 is touched, an
original setup frame shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. In this frame,
the user is allowed to designate the original size.
[0009] Similarly, when a region R902 is touched, a setup frame
shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. In this frame, the user is permitted
to set the size of paper to be fed.
[0010] In the conventional display input device, when setting is
performed in the control frame, it is needed to change setup frames
from one to another. Therefore, even when, for example, the user
just wants to make sure of the setting items in the control frame,
it is previously necessary to switch the display into the setup
frame.
[0011] Further, when a plurality of settings need to be input, it
is previously necessary to switch the control frame to setup frames
and vice versa a number of times. Hence, it cannot be said that
user-friendly operativity is provided.
[0012] Further, when a plurality of items need to be designated in
the same setup frame, it is necessary to return to the control
frame after one item has been set in a setup frame and then transit
the display state into another setup frame once again. So it cannot
be said that user-friendly operativity is provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a user-friendly input display device by enabling
simultaneous display of a control frame and a setup frame.
[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a display input device
of the present invention includes: a display portion; a touch panel
portion; a display controller for displaying a control frame on the
display portion; a touch input detector for detecting a touch input
to the touch panel portion; and a setup item displaying portion for
displaying setup items in a superimposed manner on the control
frame in accordance with the position of the touch input while the
touch input is being detected by the touch input detector.
[0015] The display input device of the present invention may
further include a setup item selector for selecting, when, with the
setup items being displayed by the setup item displaying portion,
another touch input is detected at the position where one of the
setup items is displayed, the setup item in the detected
position.
[0016] The display input device of the present invention may
further include a setup item canceller for eliminating the setup
items being displayed by the setup item displaying portion when the
touch input detector detects cancellation of the touch input.
[0017] A program of the present invention is characterized in that
to cause a computer including a display portion and a touch panel
portion to realize a display function of displaying a control frame
on the display portion; a touch input detecting function of
detecting a touch input to the touch panel portion; and a setup
item displaying function of displaying setup items in a
superimposed manner on the control frame in accordance with the
position of the touch input while the touch input is being detected
by the touch input detecting function.
[0018] According to the present invention, when a touch input is
being detected by the touch input detector, setup items
corresponding to the position of the touch input can be displayed
in a superimposed manner on the control frame that is displayed on
the display portion. Accordingly, the control frame and the setup
items can be displayed at the same time, hence this configuration
can provide highly convenient operativity to the user. Further,
when the user just wants to display setup items, it is possible for
the user to view the setup items by performing a touch input
without causing transition from the control frame to a setup
frame.
[0019] Further, according to the present invention, when, with the
setup items being displayed, another touch input is performed at
the position where one of the setup items is displayed, it is
possible to select the setup item located at the position of the
touch input.
[0020] Moreover, according to the present invention, when
cancellation of the touch input is detected, the setup items being
displayed can be eliminated. Accordingly, the user is able to
eliminate the setup items so as to display the normal control
frame, by just releasing the touch state (releasing the finger or
the like from the touch panel portion) after making sure the
setting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a view for illustrating the conventional
operation;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a view for illustrating the conventional
operation;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view for illustrating the conventional
operation;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a
digital multifunctional machine to which the present invention is
applied;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a digital multifunctional
machine to which the present invention is applied;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a view showing a configuration of a digital
multifunctional machine in the present embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a chart showing one example of a data structure of
an operation allocating table in the present embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a view for illustrating the operation in the
present embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a chart showing the operation flow of a touch
panel cut-in process in the present embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a view showing the operation flow of an operation
setup process in the present embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a view for illustrating an operation in the
present embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a view for illustrating an operation in the
present embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a view for illustrating an operation in the
present embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a view for illustrating an operation in the
present embodiment; and, FIG. 15 is a view for illustrating an
operation in the present embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the
embodiment, a case in which a display input device of the present
invention is applied to a digital multifunctional machine will be
described as an example.
[Description of Operation]
[0036] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective and sectional views showing
one embodied mode of a digital multifunctional machine 1 of the
present embodiment. This digital multifunctional machine 1 can be
selectively used in copy mode for reading images from originals to
print them out on recording sheets, in facsimile mode for reading
images from originals to transmit and receiving images of originals
to print them out on recording sheets, in printer mode for
receiving images from information terminal devices via networks to
print them out on recording sheets and in other modes. This digital
multifunctional machine 1 essentially includes a document feeding
and reading portion 2, an image forming portion 3, a paper feeder
4, a paper discharge processor 5 and a USB interface 7.
[0037] Next, the operation of digital multifunctional machine 1
will be described taking an example of the copy mode. To begin
with, as documents are set on a document set tray 11 of document
feeding and reading portion 2, a document detecting sensor 12
detects the documents having been set. Then, a control panel 6
(FIG. 4) of the document feeding and reading portion 2 is operated
so as to input settings of the size of the print paper,
magnification ratio, etc. Thereafter, control panel 6 is operated
to instruct the start of a copying operation.
[0038] In response to the above control, document feeding and
reading portion 2 pulls out documents, sheet by sheet, by means of
a pickup roller 13 onto document set tray 11 and delivers the
document by and between a separation plate 14 and a feed roller 15
to a platen glass 16 so that the document is conveyed in the
sub-scan direction over platen glass 16 and discharged to a
document output tray 17.
[0039] In the above operation, the front side (the under side) of
the document is read by a first reader 21. That is, a first scan
unit 23 of first reader 21 is moved and positioned into place while
a second scan unit 24 is positioned at a predetermined position.
The front surface of the document is illuminated through platen
glass 16 by the exposure lamp of first scan unit 23, and the light
reflected off the document is lead by the reflection mirrors of
first and second scan units 23 and 24 to an image focusing lens 26,
which focuses the reflected light or the image of the document on a
CCD (charge coupled device) 27 to thereby read the image on the
front face of the document.
[0040] On the other hand, the reverse face of the document (the
upper side) of the document is read by a second reader 22. Second
reader 22 is disposed over platen glass 16, and includes: an
exposure lamp (LED (light emitting diode) array, fluorescent lamp
or the like) for illuminating the rear side of the document; a
Selfoc lens array for focusing the reflected light from the
original per pixel; and a contact image sensor (CIS) for
photoelectrically converting the reflected light of the document,
received through the Selfoc lens array, to output analog image
signals.
[0041] Also, the document may be placed on platen glass 16 by
unfolding the upper body of document feeding and reading portion 2
so that the document surface can be read by means of first reader
21. In this case, first and second scan units 23 and 24 are moved
in the sub scan direction keeping a predetermined speed
relationship relative to each other while the document on platen
glass 16 is illuminated by first scan unit 23, and the light
reflected off the document is lead to image focusing lens 26 by
means of first and second scan units 23 and 24 so that the image of
the document is focused by image focusing lens 26 onto CCD 27.
[0042] When one or both sides of the document have been read in the
above way, the image data representing one or dual sides of the
document is input to a controller 100 (shown in FIG. 6) of a
microcomputer etc., where the image data undergoes various image
processes, and the processed image data is output to image forming
portion 3.
[0043] Image forming portion 3 prints the document images
represented by image data on recording paper and includes a
photoreceptor drum 31, a charging device 32, a laser scan unit
(which will be referred to hereinbelow as LSU) 33, a developing
unit 34, a transfer device 35, a cleaning device 36, a charge
erasing device (not shown) and a fusing unit 37.
[0044] Also, image forming portion 3 is equipped with a main feed
path 38 and a reverse feed path 39. The recording paper delivered
from paper feeder 4 is conveyed along main feed path 38. Paper
feeder 4 draws recording paper, sheet by sheet, from a stack of
recording paper, held in a paper feed cassette 41 or set on a
manual feed tray 42 and delivers the recoding paper to main feed
path 38 of image forming portion 3.
[0045] In the course of the recording paper being conveyed along
main feed path 38 of image forming portion 3, the recording paper
passes through and between photoreceptor drum 31 and transfer
device 35 and then passes through fusing unit 37 to complete
printing for the recording paper. While photoreceptor drum 31
rotates in one direction, its surface is cleaned by cleaning device
36 and the charge erasing device and then charged uniformly by
charging device 32. Laser scan unit 33 modulates the laser beam
based on the image data from document feeding and reading portion 2
and repeatedly scans the modulated laser beam over the
photoreceptor drum 31 surface in the main scan direction, to form
an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 31 surface.
Developing unit 34 supplies toner to the photoreceptor drum 31
surface and develops the electrostatic latent image to form a toner
image on the photoreceptor drum 31 surface. Transfer device 35
transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 31 surface to
the recording paper which passes through the nip between the
transfer device 35 and photo receptor drum 31. Fusing unit 37 heats
and presses the recording paper to fix the toner image onto the
recording paper.
[0046] Arranged at the junction of main feed path 38 and reverse
feed path 39 is a branch claw 43. When printing is performed only
on one side of recording paper, the recording paper is positioned
by this branch claw 43 and then lead from fusing unit 37 to a paper
output tray 44 or paper discharge processor 5 by means of branch
claw 43.
[0047] When printing is performed on both sides of recording paper,
branch claw 43 is rotated to the position indicated by the dashed
line so that the recording paper is conducted to reverse feed path
39. Then, the recording paper passes through reverse feed path 39
and is inverted upside down to be fed to main feed path 38 once
again. Then, the recording paper is again printed on its rear side
through main feed path 38 and lead to paper output tray 44 or paper
discharge processor 5.
[0048] The recording paper thus printed is lead to paper output
tray 44 or paper discharge processor 5 so that it is discharged to
paper output tray 44 or discharged to any one of paper output trays
5a of paper discharge processor 5.
[0049] In paper discharge processor 5, a plurality of recording
sheets are sorted and discharged to different output trays 5a,
and/or each set of recording sheets is punched or stapled. For
example, when multiple copies of multiple originals are prepared,
recording sheets are sorted and discharged to different paper
output trays 5a so that one copy of multiple originals is allotted
to one paper output tray 5a, and each set of recording sheets on
every paper output tray 5a is punched or stapled to prepare a
printed matter.
[Configuration]
[0050] Next, the configuration of digital multifunctional machine 1
will be described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6,
digital multifunctional machine 1 has a controller 100 (a display
controller, a touch input detector, a setup item displaying
portion, a setup item selector and a setup item canceller), to
which an image reader 102, a control portion 104, an image forming
portion 106, a modem unit 108, an image memory 110, a communicator
112 and a ROM 114 and a storage 116 are connected. Modem unit 108
is connected to a public telephone network N3, whereas communicator
112 is connected to a network N1.
[0051] Controller 100 is a functional unit for performing various
operations and control of digital multifunctional machine 1. The
controller reads out each program stored in digital multifunctional
machine 1 to execute the program so as to achieve the associated
process. Here, controller 100 is configured of, for example a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) for performing operations.
[0052] Image reader 102 is a functional unit for picking up images
recorded on recording paper to create image data. Image reader 102
is formed of a scanner or the like for example. Digital
multifunctional machine 1 shown in FIG. 4, this corresponds to
document feeding and reading portion 2. The image data created by
image reader 102 is sent to image memory 110 and temporarily stored
therein.
[0053] Control portion 104 includes a display portion 1042 for
displaying the necessary information for control and a touch panel
portion 1044 through which the user inputs information such as
control commands etc. In digital multifunctional machine 1 shown in
FIG. 4, control panel 6 corresponds to this. Though a ten key pad
and other input devices for inputting control commands and other
information are provided other than touch panel portion 1044,
description of these is omitted in the present embodiment.
[0054] Image forming portion 106 is a functional unit for forming
images in accordance with the image data stored in image memory 110
and recording (printing) them onto recording paper. For example,
the image forming portion may be constructed of, for example a
laser printer or the like. In FIG. 4, image forming portion 3
corresponds to this.
[0055] Modem unit 108 is a functional unit for performing facsimile
communication and is connected to public telephone network N3. The
image data created by image reader 102 can be transmitted by
facsimile communication to another facsimile machine 212 through
public telephone network N3 that is connected to modem unit 108.
Also, digital multifunctional machine 1 can receive the image data
transmitted from another facsimile machine 212 via public telephone
network N3 by modem unit 108 and can form images by image forming
portion 106 from the received image data.
[0056] Image memory 110 is a memory for temporarily storing image
data. Specifically, the image data created by image reader 102 is
temporarily stored into image memory 110. Here, the image data that
is designated to be printed out is output to image forming portion
106, the image data that is designated to be stored is output to
storage 116 and the image data that is designated to be transmitted
and received by communication is output to modem unit 108 or
communicator 112.
[0057] The image data that is received by modem 108 or communicator
112 is also stored temporarily into image memory 110.
[0058] Communicator 112 is a functional unit that functions as a
communicating means of digital multifunctional machine 1 for
transmitting and receiving data via networks. Communicator 112 can
be connected to a communication network N1 such as an in-house LAN
etc. This communication network N1 has one or a plurality of
personal computers (PCs) 200 connected thereto. Here, in a normal
state where digital multifunctional machine 1 operates alone,
communicator 112 exchanges information with PC 200 via
communication network N1.
[0059] Specifically, digital multifunctional machine 1 transmits
the image data created by image reader 102 from communicator 112 to
PC 200. This configuration makes it possible for digital
multifunctional machine 1 to function as a scanner device.
Conversely, PC 200 transmits image data to digital multifunctional
machine 1. Digital multifunctional machine 1 can form images at
image forming portion 106 from the image data received at
communicator 112. In this case, digital multifunctional machine 1
can function as a printer.
[0060] Here, communication network N1 is connected to a wide area
communication network N2 such as the internet etc. Modem unit 108
can receive image data from PC 202 or another facsimile machine 210
connected to wide area communication network N2 via communication
network N1 and wide area communication network N2, by transmission
of image data attached to an email or by any other method. In this
way, digital multifunctional machine 1 can function as an internet
facsimile machine.
[0061] ROM 114 is a functional unit for storing various kinds of
data and programs for operating digital multifunctional machine 1.
Controller 100 reads out and executes a control program stored in
ROM 114 to realize a control process. ROM 114 also has a touch
panel cut-in program 1142 and an operation setup program 1144
stored therein. When a touch is detected by touch panel portion
1044, controller 100 reads out and executes touch panel cut-in
program 1142 so as to realize a touch panel cut-in process (FIG.
9). Controller 100 also reads out and executes operation setup
program 1144 so as to realize an operation setup process (FIG.
10).
[0062] Storage 116 is a functional unit for recording the setup
status of digital multifunctional machine 1 and saving the image
data that is temporarily stored in image memory 110. Here, storage
116 is constructed of any of storage devices including, for
example, a semiconductor memory, hard disk drive and optical disk
drive. Storage 116 has an operation allocation table 1162 and
operation setup information 1164 stored therein.
[0063] This operation allocation table 1162 is the table for
storing the operations to be set up in accordance with the
coordinates at which a touch is detected on touch panel portion
1044. FIG. 7 shows one example of the data structure of operation
allocation table 1162.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, operation allocation table 1162 stores
coordinates (e.g., "(x1,y1)-(x2,y2)"), current status (e.g.,
"control frame") and operation (e.g., "2.sup.nd paper cassette
setup") in a related manner.
[0065] Here, the coordinates indicate a range of coordinate points
on touch panel 1044 that is laid over display portion 1042. For
example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a rectangular area specified by a
top-left vertex coordinate point (x1,y1) and a bottom-right vertex
coordinate point (x2,y2) is touched, the operation corresponding to
the range of coordinate points is selected.
[0066] For example, when the control frame is displayed, if a
coordinate point in this range is touched, the operation for
"2.sup.nd paper cassette setup" is selected.
[0067] Operation setup information 1164 stores information relating
to various operation settings in digital multifunctional machine 1.
For example, "A4" paper size being set for the second paper
cassette may be stored, or "auto" being set for the original size
may be stored.
[Processing Flow]
[0068] Referring next to FIG. 9, a touch panel cut-in process in
digital multifunctional machine 1 will be described. The touch
panel cut-in process is a process implemented by controller 100 by
executing touch panel cut-in program 1142. Specifically, this
process is implemented when controller 100 has detected a touch on
touch panel portion 1044 or when cancellation of a touch has been
detected.
[0069] First, when a user's touch on touch panel 1044 is detected
(Step S100; Yes), controller 100 starts an operation setup process
(FIG. 10) (Step S102). This operation setup process will continue
until the aforementioned condition of being touched is cancelled
(Step S104; No.fwdarw.Step S102).
[0070] Herein, when the aforementioned condition of being touched
is cancelled (Step S104; Yes), the setup items being displayed
disappear and the display returns to the previous display state
(control frame) before the touch panel cut-in process is
actuated.
[0071] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the operation setup process that
is implemented at Step S102 of the touch panel cut-in process will
be described. The operation setup process is a process that is
implemented by controller 100 as it reads and executes operation
setup program 1144.
[0072] First, controller 100 acquires the touch position on touch
panel portion 1044 (Step S200). Controller 100 then determines the
operation corresponding to the touch position (coordinate point)
based on the operation allocation table 1162 (Step S202).
Controller 100 also reads out the setup items corresponding to the
operation and corresponding operation setup information of the
setup items (Step S204) and displays the setup items and operation
setup information together on display portion 1042 (Step S206).
[0073] Here, when a setup item is touched (Step S208; Yes), the
operation setup information 1164 in correspondence with the touched
item is revised (Step S210).
OPERATIONAL EXAMPLES
[0074] Next, specific operations will be described taking examples
of the display states in display portion 1042. To begin with, FIG.
11 shows a display state when the second paper feed cassette is set
up.
[0075] First, in order to set up the second paper feed cassette,
the user touches a region R100 (the first region) on touch panel
portion 1044 when the control frame is being displayed on display
portion 1042 under control of controller 100 (the display
controller). When controller 100 (the touch input detector) detects
a state of being touched on touch panel portion 1044, the operation
setup process is actuated (Step S100; Yes.fwdarw.Step S102 in FIG.
9).
[0076] Then, controller 100 detects the touch position inside touch
panel portion 1044 (Step S200 in FIG. 10) and determines the
operation corresponding to the touch position by reading operation
allocation table 1162 (Step S202 in FIG. 10). In this case, the
operation for "setting the second paper feed cassette" is
determined.
[0077] Then, controller 100 (the setup item displaying portion)
displays a window corresponding to this operation in a region R102
(the second region) adjacent to region R100. In this figure, paper
sizes "A4", "A3", "B5" and "B4" are read out as the operation setup
information for "setting of the second paper feed cassette" and
displayed as the options of the setup item (S204.fwdarw.Step S206
in FIG. 10).
[0078] At this point, a region R104 representing "A4" is touched
while region R100 is being touched (Step S208; Yes in FIG. 10),
controller 100 (a setup item selector) selects "A4" for the paper
size as "the setting for the second paper feed cassette" and
revises the size setting of the paper to be stored in the second
paper feed cassette (Step S210 in FIG. 10). As an example of the
way of touching, the user may select region R100 with his/her
forefinger and select region R104 with his/her middle finger so
that the user is able to achieve the setting operation by
intuition.
[0079] When this state of being touched is canceled, controller 100
(a setup item canceller) eliminates the setup items being
displayed, from display portion 1042 and restores the previous
display state (control frame) before the touch panel cut-in process
is actuated.
[0080] Similarly, FIG. 12 is a view showing a display state when
the kind of copy density is designated. As a region R120 for copy
density is touched, setting item options for copy density are
displayed in a region R122. Specifically, the options include
"character" for reading originals including characters alone,
"printed picture" for reading pictures printed on plain paper,
"photographic picture" for reading pictures printed on photographic
paper, "map" for reading maps and "light original" for reading
lightly printed originals.
[0081] Here, two options may be selected for originals having mixed
features. First, as region R120 is touched, setup options are
displayed in region R122 next to region R120. Then, multiple
options are touched so that multiple items can be designated. In
this case, setup for reading originals having contents of
"character" and "photographic picture" is permitted.
[0082] It is also possible to provide such a feature that the item
that has been once selected can be canceled by touching the region
for the setup item once again. For example, when the region for the
setup item "character" is touched again, the copy density setup of
"character" is canceled, so that the copy density setup of
"photographic picture" alone is selected.
[0083] FIG. 13 shows the setup relating to "finishing (the
post-processor)". For example, when a region R140 corresponding to
the post-processor in the drawing is touched, the setup options
relating to "finishing", "top tray" and "offset tray" are displayed
in a region R142. In region R142, the "offset tray" area is
touched, setup options for "offset tray", "sort", "staple &
sort", "group", "2-holed punch" "3-hole punch" and "19-hole punch"
are displayed in a region R144.
[0084] Here, the user selects one or multiple items so as to revise
the setup items for the operation of "offset tray".
[0085] Alternatively, setup items may be designated in a
hierarchical manner. For example, FIGS. 14 and 15 are views for
illustrating the setting for originals to be read. For example,
when a region R160 around the scanner portion in the pictorial
representation is touched, setup options for originals to be
scanned are displayed in region R162.
[0086] In this situation, when the area "A4" is touched among the
setup options for the setting for originals to be scanned, setup
options for designating the "original scanning mode" or the means
through which originals are read and displayed. FIG. 15 shows a
state at this moment. As seen in FIG. 15, when the setup option
"A4" for original size is touched in region R162, options of
original scanning modes are displayed in a region 164. When the
area for "original table" is touched, further setup options for
"scanning resolution" are displayed in a region R166. In this way,
it is also possible to designating the setup items in a
hierarchical manner.
VARIATIONAL EXAMPLES
[0087] Though the present embodiment has been described taking an
example in which the display input device is applied to a digital
multifunctional machine, the apparatus to which the present
invention can be applied should not be limited to the above
machine. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention
can be applied to a facsimile machine or a computer system
including a processor and a printer or any other apparatus of the
same kind.
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